The Wise and Foolish Virgins: The Separation of the Wise

Many Believers are awaiting the Bridegroom’s return, but few have made themselves Ready. Scripture reveals a process of Separation, by which the Wise Bride-Candidates may prepare themselves. This is the process of Separation of the Wise.

Most Believers are familiar with the parable of the Wise and Foolish Virgins in Matthew chapter 25. As we saw in the article, The Wise and Foolish Virgins: Who Are They?, both groups were Born-Again Believers, as confirmed by the term “virgins.” We may also note that both the wise and foolish virgins are seen actively waiting for the return of the Bridegroom, again telling us both groups had the same focus at that point.

Although the Wise and Foolish virgins both had the similar focus of ‘waiting’ for the Bridegroom, they remained two separate groups in their preparation. In this writing we will look at the process of separation required of the Wise virgins. We will contrast the two groups in order to receive instruction, and to learn what to do, and what to avoid, in our own preparation.

Let us begin with the opening verse in the parable, as it reveals the fact that the virgins have been separated or ‘divided’ into two groups:

“Then shall the kingdom of heaven be likened unto ten virgins, which took their lamps, and went forth to meet the bridegroom. And five of them were wise, and five were foolish.” (Matthew 25:1-2)

In the above passage, the two separate groups are contrasted by wisdom, and lack of wisdom. This is not an earthly wisdom, or the wisdom of this world; but a hidden Wisdom, a mystery, a Wisdom that is given by Yahweh alone.

It is well to note that the Proverbs reveal many contrasts of the Wise vs. foolish, so we will begin there. As we look deeper into this contrast, we will discover a two-step process of separation that the ‘Wise’ virgins had gone through to become wise, but that the ‘Foolish’ virgins had avoided.

Wisdom: Its Initial Separation

Scripture reveals two distinct steps or phases the virgins must pass through for their preparation in obtaining wisdom. These are the virgins’ initial separation or division, and their on-going separation – their ‘set-apart’ actions. This all-important first step may be seen in the Proverbs:

“Through desire a man, having separated himself, seeketh and intermeddleth with all wisdom.” (Proverbs 18:1)

The first thing we see is that the one who is ‘Wise’ has first separated himself [divide, part, separate; set-apart, divide from; same as sanctify, consecrate oneself] to seek wisdom.

We may have walked down an aisle, uttered a few words, and “believe” in our minds all the facts we read in Scripture. But it is not until a Believer has actually done what Paul describes in Rom 12:1-2, and what Yahushua said in Matt 11:29; Luke 14:27,33; and in John 21:19, that he actually separates himself, sets himself apart, and consecrates himself unto Yahweh. These verses in the Gospel accounts and in Paul’s message to the Romans, give a clear directive for the initial separation required for every truly Born-Again Believer.

Next we see in the above passage, that after the ‘wise’ had separated himself [because of his own longing or desire], he then actively seeks out wisdom. But where does he look for this wisdom? Notice the following:

“The proverbs of Solomon the son of David, king of Israel; To know wisdom and instruction; to perceive the words of understanding;” (Proverbs 1:1-2)

“How much better is it to get wisdom than gold! and to get understanding rather to be chosen than silver!” (Proverbs 16:16)

“The fear of the LORD is the beginning of wisdom: and the knowledge of the holy is understanding.” (Proverbs 9:10)

“My son, if thou wilt receive my words, and hide my commandments with thee; So that thou incline thine ear unto wisdom, and apply thine heart to understanding; Yea, if thou criest after knowledge, and liftest up thy voice for understanding; If thou seekest her as silver, and searchest for her as for hid treasures; Then shalt thou understand the fear of the LORD, and find the knowledge of God.” (Proverbs 2:1-5)

We see in the above passages that the purpose of Proverbs is to give Wisdom to those who desire Wisdom.

We then see that Wisdom begins with the Fear of Yahweh. Having the Fear of Yahweh is essential to our commitment to seek Wisdom, and to maintain our separation [‘sanctification; holiness’] unto Yahweh.

According to the same verse, however, the Fear of Yahweh is the result of receiving, and hiding, and seeking out wisdom, knowledge, and understanding, just as one would seek gold, silver, or hidden treasures. The Fear of Yahweh itself is described in at least 30 passages of Scripture, and these all reveal a panorama of wisdom in action! The seeker of Wisdom will surely want to search out all these verses, for they reveal the various characteristics of those who have the Fear of Yahweh!

There are 31 chapters of Proverbs. One way to grow in wisdom and understanding of Yahweh is to practice reading one Proverbs chapter each day, much like taking one-a-day vitamins. As we continue to grow in our understanding of Scripture, we begin to enter into the second phase of wisdom – the on-going phase of being a “DO-er” of the Word of Yahweh.

Wisdom: Its On-Going Separation

We may see this on-going contrast of the Wise from the foolish in many Scripture passages. Perhaps one of the most profound examples of this contrast can be seen in the following words of Yahushua, where He contrasts the wise and foolish in the process of building their lives:

“Therefore whosoever heareth these sayings of mine, and doeth them, I will liken him unto a wise man, which built his house upon a rock:” (Matthew 7:24)

“And every one that heareth these sayings of mine, and doeth them not, shall be likened unto a foolish man, which built his house upon the sand:” (Matthew 7:26)

Notice the Wise and the foolish both heard the sayings of Yahushua, but the Wise is the one who became a “DO-er” of His Words. The foolish is one who hears the Word, but does not become a “DO-er” of the Word.

The importance of being a “DO-er” of the Word is summed up by Ya’acob [‘James’], in the following passage:

“But be ye doers of the word, and not hearers only, deceiving your own selves. For if any be a hearer of the word, and not a doer, he is like unto a man beholding his natural face in a glass: For he beholdeth himself, and goeth his way, and straightway forgetteth what manner of man he was. But whoso looketh into the perfect law of liberty, and continueth therein, he being not a forgetful hearer, but a doer of the work, this man shall be blessed in his deed [‘doing’].” (James 1:22-25)

In the above passages, we see that being a “DO-er” of Yahushua’s Word delivers us from deception. This is a foundational Truth, and is essential for anyone that hopes to gain Wisdom. Let us digress briefly, to re-state exactly what Yahushua meant when He said, “these sayings of mine.”

Wisdom: the Sayings of Yahushua Bring its Separation

In the above passages in Matthew 7:24, 26 the word ‘sayings’ is the Greek word ‘logos,’ Strong’s number [“words, sayings, decrees, or things; speech”]. The question we must ask is, “What are the sayings or Words of Yahushua?” To answer this question, let’s look at the following passage:

“Suppose ye that I am come to give peace on earth? I tell you, Nay; but rather division :” (Luke 12:51)

Notice that Yahushua said He would bring ‘division’ [“separation, division, or parting asunder”]. But how does Yahushua bring about this division? It is by His sayings — His Words. Let’s see why and how this is true.

Many today do not yet ‘know’ Messiah (Matthew 25:12). They do not yet realise and comprehend that it was the WORD of Yahweh — Messiah Himself — who gave the Tablets, and all the Words and Commandments, to Moses and all the Prophets. Thus the entire ‘Torah,’ as well as the Psalms and the Prophets –– what we might call the ‘Old Testament’ –– are the Words and Commandments of Messiah Yahushua Himself!

And so we may summarise the actions of the ‘Wise’ as follows:

1) The ‘Wise’ are those who are committed to becoming “DO-ers” of all the Words of Yahushua;

2) The Words of Yahushua include even the Words Messiah gave to Moses and the Prophets [the ‘Torah’];

3) It is therefore the ‘Wise’ who become “DO-ers” of all the Words of Yahushua, including His Words in the Torah.

The ‘Wise’ are those who keep His Commandments – “If you love me, keep ‘My’ Commandments” (John 14:15). These show that they have the “Beginning of Wisdom” [the Fear of Yahweh], because they have begun to allow “Messiah-in-them” (Col 1:27) to provide the ongoing, daily Grace needed to keep all of His own Commandments, while living within (Php 1:11; Psalms 112:1). These also show by their obedience to Messiah’s words in Torah, that they know Him.

The ‘Wise’ are thus divided, or separated, from the rest, by being “DO-ers” of all of Messiah Yahushua’s Words, including those He gave to Moses.

Wisdom: The Results of its Separation

As we continue to grow in wisdom, and to become “DO-ers of the Word, we begin to notice a few things in Scripture that are the exact opposite of what we have heard in the commercial assemblies:

“Hear, ye children, the instruction of a father, and attend to know understanding. For I give you good doctrine, forsake ye not my law[‘Torah’].” (Proverbs 4:1-2)

“My son, hear the instruction of thy father, and forsake not the law[‘Torah’] of thy mother [‘your point of departure, division’]: For they shall be an ornament of grace unto thy head, and chains about thy neck.” (Proverbs 1:8-9)

“She [wisdom] shall give to thine head an ornament of grace: a crown of glory shall she deliver to thee.” (Proverbs 4:9)

In the above passages, we see several interesting things:

1) We are instructed to “Hear” [Strong’s number “hearken; hear and obey”] the Father’s instructions.

2) The instruction of our Heavenly Father is “good” teaching. His good teaching includes instruction for us to “forsake not His Torah.”

3) The [doing of] Torah, and all of Yahweh’s Word, is our “point of departure or division,” our point of separation [unto holiness]. Being a “DO-er” of Torah is what separates or ‘divides’ us from others who are not “DO-ers” of Torah. Thus our being a “DO-er” of Torah is the determining factor of our separation, our holiness. This is in agreement with what we saw above in Luke 12:51, that the WORD [Messiah Yahushua] brings division.

4) In Proverbs 1:9, we see that Father’s instruction, and [the doing of] the Torah, together become an ornament of Grace. This ornament or “wreath” is the sign or token of true Grace at work in our lives, that we will be victorious in the race, because we are runing the race “lawfully” [according to the Law or ‘Torah’] (2Tim 2:5).

5) In Prov 4:9, we see that Wisdom ‘gives, yields, makes, or constitutes’ an ornament of Grace. The ornament or wreath here is the same one indicated in Prov 1:9, and this logical equality shows that Instruction and the doing of Torah in Prov 1:9 are “equal to” the Wisdom of Prov 4:9.

The above are a few of many passages showing the many blessings given to all Born-Again Believers who choose to become “DO-ers” of Torah – “DO-ers” of all the Words of Yahushua. Again we see that it is in being a “DO-er” of Torah that is the point of departure, separation, and division of the ‘Wise,’ from those who are not “DO-ers” of Torah.

Lest we think, however, that it is simply a matter of our own “works” that we are talking about, we must be reminded that it is only by Yahweh’s Grace that one becomes ‘Wise.’ All that is required of man is his ‘co-operation.’

Wisdom: Separation By Co-operation

We will now look at one necessary picture of the on-going process of separation of the ‘Wise.’:

“Sanctify them through thy truth: thy word is truth.” (John 17:17)

“That he might sanctify and cleanse it with the washing of water by the word,” (Ephesians 5:26)

In the above passages, it is clear that Yahweh Himself is the One who separates us [sanctifies us; makes us holy], by His Word. As we have already seen, the ‘Wise’ Believer is the obedient one, the “DO-er” of His Word, who has begun the process of separating himself unto Yahweh. However, it is both Yahweh and the Seeker of Wisdom that are working in co-operation with one another.

Our co-operation with Yahweh is a necessary requirement in this on-going process of separation. It is “Messiah-in-you” who leads, teaches, and separates the Bride-Candidate. Thus it is ultimately Yahweh who, by His Grace, brings about this separation –– but only as we co-operate through our prayers and our obedience to His Word.

And so we see that we are sanctified, and washed and cleansed, not by hearing or knowing the Word of truth — but by doing of the Word of truth (Romans 2:13; James 1:22). So we see that it is by doing the Word of truth (John 17:17) that we are sanctified; and it is by doing the Word (Ephesians 5:26) that we are cleansed, and washed.

Conclusion

The separation of the Wise virgins began with an inner desire and longing to obtain Wisdom. The first step to obtain Wisdom is the firm commitment one makes, to separate oneself unto Yahweh. The Wise virgins are those who have made the personal commitment and the decision to find, to learn, and to walk in, the Fear of Yahweh.

The Wise virgins continued to set-apart themselves, and to separate themselves, as they grew in understanding. They committed themselves to be “DO-ers” of the Truth of the Word of Yahweh, as soon as it was revealed to them, thus avoiding deception.

The Wise virgins understood that it is the “doing” of all the Words or sayings of Yahushua, that sanctifies them, sets them apart, and separates them from the others. They understood that being “DO-ers” of the Torah became their point of separation or division, their point of departure, from the multitudes.

The Foolish virgins, in contrast, failed to pay the full price to make the required initial separation. They may have made an initial commitment to follow Yahushua, and perhaps an initial repentance from their own way. Perhaps they received forgiveness of their sin.

The Foolish virgins may have made an initial separation, but perhaps had heard teachings in the commercial assemblies that conflicted with the Word, resulting in confusion. For whatever reason, the Foolish virgins were not able to progress beyond the initial phase of separation. These had simply failed to enter the on-going process of separation.

As they awaited the arrival of the Bridegroom, the Wise and Foolish virgins were of the same focus, but the paths they had each taken to arrive at that waiting room was vastly different. The Wise virgins had separated themselves from the Way of the multitudes, and had committed themselves to walk on a narrow road, wherein few traveled. It was a lonely road. It was a road despised by the multitudes. It was the Way of Yahweh.

The Foolish virgins, however, preferred the way of the multitudes, and were never able to separate themselves unto the road less-traveled, to walk in the Way of Yahweh. Instead, most preferred the comfort of the crowd, and the acceptance and approval of men, “not seeking the love of the truth.” (2Thess 2:10).

Yes, the Wise and Foolish virgins had taken two separate paths that were quite different. The Apostle Paul revealed the difficulties of those following the narrow path, but he also described the “Delight” that enables one to continue in the midst of the difficulties (Romans 7:22).

This is the path of Separation required of all that would desire to be among the Wise virgins, at the moment the Bridegroom arrives. And so the Bridegroom continues to call:

“If any of you lack wisdom, let him ask of God, that giveth to all men liberally, and upbraideth not; and it shall be given him. (James 1:5)

What Are the Ten Commandments? – Also called The Ten Words, these Scripture passages are shown in both Hebrew and English, enabling us to see for ourselves what these Commandments actually say. When we as New Covenant Believers understand whose words they are, we can better know how to respond to them.

Obeying Torah is Not About Salvation – Obedience to the Torah [Father’s House Rules for His family] is not about our redemption by Yahushua’s blood. Instead, it is Messiah’s New Testament instruction to all Born-again Believers in how to abide in Him, how to love Him, and how to walk as He walked.

Seven Biblical Guidelines for Studying the Bible: Using Scripture to Interpret the Scriptures – What is the source of our current understanding of the Bible? The pure Truths of Scripture are of highest importance — how we understand the Scriptures will affect our eternal condition! To avoid being deceived by man-made doctrines, we must not rely on Preachers, Teachers, Bible notes or commentaries. Instead we must study and understand the Bible for ourselves — not looking through the lenses of tradition or man-made Bible study methods — but relying only on what the Bible actually says about how to study and understand the Scriptures! Here are 7 Biblical Guidelines that show us the way!

Contending for The Faith – We are exhorted to contend, to fight to remain in The Faith that was originally given. Scripture shows what The Faith is, and shows why and how we must contend for The Faith. Overview of how the adversary attacks the foundation of The Faith, with examples of contending for The Faith.

Let No Man Steal Your Crown – Reveals there are men today trying to take away, and steal your Bridal veil, and your crown; things that allow your crown to be stolen; the Doctrine of Balaam, and how it will steal your crown.

Who is the Chaste Virgin? – The Bridegroom is coming for His Bride — one who is chaste, and without corruption. The Scriptures warn us of the many forms of corruption, and how to remove them, in order to remain chaste, and ready for the Bridegroom.

4 comments on “The Wise and Foolish Virgins: The Separation of the Wise”

Thank you Annabelle, for your visit. You have asked some very good questions, which I’m sure many are asking. I will attempt to give an answer.

Keep in mind however, that in the articles I try not to give any opinions, or to write something new. My goal is to report in simple ways, only what Messiah has actually said in Scripture. In the comments however, I do write between-the-lines, based on my current understanding, in order to give short answers. So please bear with me if I state any error.

In the parable of The Wise and Foolish Virgins in Matthew 25, the contrast is not between saved and lost, but between saved and saved. Both the wise and the foolish are called virgins, which from Scripture, indicates both groups consist of Born-Again Believers. The difference between the two groups lies in the order and timing of each group’s readiness, and in the order and timing of each group’s resurrection into the presence of the King.

The passage you mentioned in (Ephesians 1:13-14) is very important! This passage states the great importance of what happens at the time of the New Birth, when we become Born-Again. In the natural world, after a child has been born, it can not become ‘un-born’ based on its later actions. It is the same in the spiritual realm. So the ‘security’ of a Believer’s eternal existence is never in question.

Unfortunately many have invented clichés [little sayings] to try to help people to understand Bible truths. In doing so, however, they create other problems.

For example, Yahuweh’s Born-Again children are seen prophetically in Scripture as trees. If we were to say, “once a tree, always a tree,” we could fail to address the issue of fruitfulness of the tree.

We could fail to mention that it is the Farmer’s purpose and intent that the tree and its branches produce fruit; and that if a tree continues to refuse to produce fruit, it may be chopped down and burned in the fire (John 15:1-10).

We could also fail to mention that the fruit expected by the Farmer is the fruit of Love, which Yahushua Himself defines as ‘keeping Messiah’s Commandments’ (John 14:15,21; 1John 5:3; 2John 1:6).

We could also fail to warn that a ‘carnal’ condition [not subject to, or yielded to obedience to the Law (Romans 8:7)] prevents the fruit of Love from being produced in Believers’ lives (Matthew 24:12).

So if we use the little saying *once saved, always saved* we can have some assurance in some ways, while we are still spiritual babes. But as we mature, we realise the saying fails to include many of the warnings seen throughout the New Testament writings.

Use of the little sayings, no matter how good they seem, also fail to warn of the many pitfalls and stumbling-blocks that can trip us up in so many ways, even though we have been Born Again and sealed with the holy Spirit.

The little sayings also tend to lull many to sleep, giving them the false notion that Born-Again Believers need not prepare, to make themselves ‘ready’ to enter the presence of the King.

It is these [apathetic] Believers Messiah will fight against (Rev 2:16). Please note however, that Messiah does not fight to kill, but only to bring discipline to His children, so they will further repent (See Psalms 89:27-33).

Some of His children do not repent speedily, for they are being taught error. These do not understand it is possible for men (false prophets, false teachers) to take away from them their Bridal clothing, and their crown (Song 5:7; Rev 3:11).

Notice in the Ephesians passage to which you refer, that the Holy spirit is called the ‘Holy Spirit of promise.’ Since the Holy Spirit was promised throughout Scripture, we would do well to turn our attention toward all the conditions of the promise! That is, we should turn our attention to investigating the provisions of the Everlasting [New] Covenant, in which the Holy Spirit is promised.

If we would pay attention to what the Everlasting [New] Covenant says about the Holy Spirit, we would notice the promised results of the Holy Spirit’s coming, that are part of the Covenant promises!

A few of these promises can be seen in (Jeremiah 31:31-33; Ezekiel 36:26-27; John 16:13; Psalms 119:142). We must understand Father’s Everlasting [New] Covenant, in order to walk in it. So we would do well to read, and become “DO-ers” of all of its provisions — found in all of Scripture, from Genesis through Revelation.

For those who choose to prepare themselves, we discuss some of the promises and provisions of the Everlasting [New] Covenant, as well as many other issues of preparation and readiness of the Bride-Company, in articles on The Way Prepared and on Notes from the Wilderness blog.

Thank you for this very thought-provoking teaching! I guess the “once-saved, always saved” doesn’t hold up when studying this parable? I always believed a truly born-again believer was sealed and secure because of passages like Ephesians 1:13-14, “In whom ye also trusted, after that ye heard the word of truth, the gospel of your salvation: in whom also after that ye believed, ye were sealed with that holy Spirit of promise,Which is the earnest of our inheritance until the redemption of the purchased possession, unto the praise of his glory.” Any thoughts on this? Thanks again, Annabelle

I have a request. Even though you write out most of the scripture verses that you use to make your point, I would like to see all the scripture verses written in full instead of only the reference given. Many times I am at work and have 15-minutes or so of lunch time that I am able to peruse your site. The scripture verses are powerful and make the point come more alive, which makes your writings ‘sink in faster’. Are you afraid that the article will be too long and people won’t read it?

I appreciate the work you have done, the message you are getting out and the changes that are taking place in my understanding as a result.
Blessings

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